BACK TO WORK AFTER BABY

A guide for mothers returning to the workplace after maternity leave.

In her nonfiction work, Mihalich-Levin (Medicaid Graduate Medical Education Payments, 2013, etc.) draws on her own experiences to present a point-by-point, concept-by-concept overview of the issues and attitudes faced by new mothers going back to work. After the birth of her first child, the author noticed that there was a lack of books on this subject, and her dissatisfaction only deepened after the birth of her second child. She created a blog called Mindful Return, on which she oversaw an online community of mothers in the same predicament. This book is the distillation of their discussions. It naturally has ample advice on the practical side of returning to the workplace: “how to nourish her baby, how to find a child care provider she trusts, and how to get out the door (relatively) on time and without spit-up all over herself in the morning.” The author consults medical experts and other mothers on such questions as how to get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and get some exercise. Some chapters dig deeper, drawing on Mihalich-Levin’s six years of working-motherhood to offer engaging and potentially very helpful advice regarding stress, guilt, and the bewildering logistics of balancing the challenges of everyday life with the care of one’s child. Indeed, the book’s focus on the baby’s priority never wavers: “Remember: committing to getting yourself organized and learning new mama tricks of the trade can free up your precious brain space to focus on your even more precious baby.” And whether it’s dealing with day care centers, nannies, or too-short weekends, Mihalich-Levin’s prose is always humorous and approachable. Young mothers reading these chapters will feel themselves in the company of a sympathetic friend. A lively, readable trove of invaluable personal and practical advice for new moms.